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News 5 uncovers clerks selling cigarettes to teens

A minor shouldn't be able to buy cigarettes until the age of 18. But in Pueblo there's evidence kids are getting smokes illegally from irresponsible clerks. "In Pueblo itself three out of four teens, young people less than 18, can buy tobacco. Walk into a store and buy it," said Dr. Chris Nevin-Woods, Public Health Director at the Pueblo City-County Health Department.

The Pueblo County Sheriff's Office recently went on an undercover sting to enforce the law. Using a hidden camera, detectives sent minors to attempt to buy cigarettes, cigars and chewing tobacco from clerks--and News 5 went along. Monday night on News 5 at 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. we'll show you which clerks turned the kids away and who got busted red handed.

"I let my guard down. I should have ID'ed her," said one clerk.

News 5 is taking an in-depth look at which stores have been cited in the past and what's being done to reduce this problem in the future.